NC Strawberries are Here! In NC, strawberry season arrives in May. Just think of all the opportunities to include a sweet treat like fresh, local strawberries in your meals and snacks - it is definitely a long list. Adding strawberries is truly a smart idea, for flavor and great nutrition. Nutrition Features of Strawberries The simple truth is that strawberries 'rock' for good nutrition. One cup of berries cut into halves provides 3 times the daily requirement for vitamin C + 3 grams of fiber + health-enhancing antioxidants + only 50 calories. By anyone's standards, this is one very … [Read more...] about Seasonal Pick – Strawberries!
Seasonal Vegetables = Smart Choices
What's in season now? Fields of vegetables are growing strong in Monterey County's Salinas Valley of California right now. It is a sight to see -- spinach, lettuces, fennel, artichokes, carrots and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower stretch for miles on end. Why is seasonal a smart choice? Seasonal produce is a great choice for satisfying flavors and top-notch nutrition. Shop for the abundance from California as well as the local region of North Carolina. It's a wonderful way to appreciate what America's agricultural areas are doing for us every single day. … [Read more...] about Seasonal Vegetables = Smart Choices
Need a Nutritional Goal? Vary Your Food Colors!
Looking for a Nutritional Goal? A fun, visual goal is to add more colors to your meal plate. This just happens to be the theme of this month's National Nutrition Month ~ Eat Right With Color ~ and, handy tools can help. If you have already mastered the colorful food goal, then try this online Rate Your Plate challenge to target a different, positive nutrition goal. Even for those who eat well, there are usually areas for improvement. Perhaps you need more fiber, more vitamin D, less salt or less saturated fat. It's always best to choose and work on one goal at a time for realistic and … [Read more...] about Need a Nutritional Goal? Vary Your Food Colors!
Eat Right ~ It’s Nutrition Month!
A Challenge... It is a challenge for most of us to choose nutritious foods day-after-day. Time gets in the way ~ planning, or lack of it, gets in the way ~ life gets in the way. A Goal... There are excellent reasons to make nutrition a top priority for you and your busy family. Good health depends on it ~ feeling great depends on it ~ enjoying life depends on it. A Call to Action... It's Nutrition Month and everyone can benefit from making healthy choices in the grocery store and on their meal plate. Make it a family project to write a menu plan, organize that shopping list, … [Read more...] about Eat Right ~ It’s Nutrition Month!
Your Grocery Basket — What’s in it?
Grocery Shopping Know-How Do you ever look in other people's grocery baskets? Do you ever really look at what's in yours? Here are a few pointers for a flavorful & healthful basket every trip: Produce tip: 'Flavor boosters' include fresh garlic, garlic, lemons, limes, green onions, sweet peppers, fennel. Use these to add a ton of flavor and nutrients galore. Bakery tip: Pick up whole wheat pita because it's affordable and versatile for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack attacks. Deli tip: Make a simple meal from the deli with this menu: sliced lean roast beef or turkey breast … [Read more...] about Your Grocery Basket — What’s in it?
Need new inspiration for a healthier lifestyle? Grow a spring garden!
Why Grow a Spring Garden? There are quite a few good reasons to grow an early spring garden, among them fresh air, exercise and pride. But, perhaps an even more important reason is the inspiration a garden of edibles will provide to fuel your healthier lifestyle. Plant Simple Greens, Garlic and Herbs If you have a small area of soil in your yard, or a couple of planters, then you can grow simple, inspiring, spring crops. Here in NC, it felt like spring today and I couldn't stop myself from getting out my gardening gloves and a small shovel to enjoy it. After clearing leaves and … [Read more...] about Need new inspiration for a healthier lifestyle? Grow a spring garden!